Wherever you get an adult dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Have the dog examined by a vet within 48 hours of receiving it. Occasionally there is a problem that only a vet can detect through an exam. A breeder may not know about an issue because the dog shows no signs of it, and most breeders are not vets. Once the vet exam is done, you can no longer hold the breeder or the person you got the dog from responsible, since it is impossible to know where the dog may have picked up a virus or anything else causing a problem. This is part of being a responsible dog owner. Some vets may blame the breeder for health issues even though the dog has been away from the breeder for weeks or months. If that happens, ask your vet to contact the breeder's vet, if there is one, for more history on the dog.
Adult dogs have had time to collect scrapes, cuts, scars, growths, chipped or broken teeth, scar tissue in the ears and more. You are taking on a pre-owned, imperfect dog. (Much like buying a used car or truck. It isn't perfect.) Some would call it "As Is". This is part of "Responsible Dog Ownership".
Buying and caring for a dog is a responsibility, much like caring for children. Some issues are not seen in babies or children until a doctor examines them.
Adult dogs that were neutered or spayed as adults may keep those hormones for several months, or in the worst case, indefinitely. Males may still lift a leg to urinate. They can be trained not to lift the leg. Check with boxer rescue centers or groups, since they deal with all kinds of boxer situations. They have had great success teaching males not to urinate where they shouldn't and not to lift the leg. Ask the rescue for advice if your dog has this issue. Also remember that even a dog on heartworm medication may need to be wormed twice a month. That second worming would not use the heartworm meds.
If you buy or adopt a dog from a shelter, you pay fees. You are expected to be a responsible pet owner. If weeks or months pass and your dog becomes sick or has other health issues, don't expect the shelter to reimburse you. They won't. A breeder is no different. They will not reimburse you for vet expenses. Once you buy the dog, it is your responsibility. If you return a dog, there are no refunds either.
If you request a health certificate, we can offer a discount on the fee and provide a copy.
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